New Zealand return to the FIFA World Cup for the first time since 2010, and they do so with captain Chris Wood leading the line and the legendary Tommy Smith recalled for the campaign. Manager Darren Bazeley has brought together a squad that blends those 2010 alumni β Wood and Smith both featured at South Africa β with a new generation that has been building toward this moment across competitions in Europe and North America.
The All Whites are the sole representative of the OFC confederation at this tournament and carry the pride of an entire football region on their shoulders.
Group G: Belgium Β· Egypt Β· Iran Β· New Zealand
Opening match: Iran vs New Zealand β 15 June 2026, SoFi Stadium, Inglewood
Full Squad
| Player | Position | Club | Previous World Cups |
|---|---|---|---|
| Max Crocombe | Goalkeeper | Millwall | 0 |
| Alex Paulsen | Goalkeeper | Lechia GdaΕsk | 0 |
| Michael Woud | Goalkeeper | β | 0 |
| Tim Payne | Defender | Wellington Phoenix | 0 |
| Francis De Vries | Defender | β | 0 |
| Tyler Bindon | Defender | Nottingham Forest | 0 |
| Michael Boxall | Defender | Minnesota United | 0 |
| Liberato Cacace | Defender | Wrexham | 0 |
| Nando Pijnaker | Defender | Auckland FC | 0 |
| Finn Surman | Defender | Portland Timbers | 0 |
| Callan Elliot | Defender | β | 0 |
| Tommy Smith | Defender | Braintree Town | 1 (2010) |
| Joe Bell | Midfielder | Viking FK | 0 |
| Matt Garbett | Midfielder | Peterborough United | 0 |
| Marko Stamenic | Midfielder | Swansea City | 0 |
| Sarpreet Singh | Midfielder | Wellington Phoenix | 0 |
| Alex Rufer | Midfielder | Wellington Phoenix | 0 |
| Ryan Thomas | Midfielder | PEC Zwolle | 0 |
| Chris Wood | Forward | Nottingham Forest | 1 (2010) |
| Eli Just | Forward | Motherwell | 0 |
| Kosta Barbarouses | Forward | Western Sydney Wanderers | 0 |
| Ben Waine | Forward | Port Vale | 0 |
| Ben Old | Forward | Saint-Γtienne | 0 |
| Callum McCowatt | Forward | Silkeborg IF | 0 |
| Jesse Randall | Forward | Auckland FC | 0 |
| Lachlan Bayliss | Forward | Newcastle Jets | 0 |
Key Players to Watch
Chris Wood is New Zealand's talisman and captain. The Nottingham Forest striker has been one of the Premier League's most reliable finishers over several seasons. His physicality, aerial ability and composure in front of goal make him a genuine threat that any defence at this level must account for. Wood scored in New Zealand's famous 1-1 draw with Italy at the 2010 World Cup β this time he will be looking to go further.
Liberato Cacace has become one of the most impressive full-backs in the Championship. The Wrexham defender brings energy, crossing ability and the defensive discipline needed at this level. He will be crucial to how New Zealand's wide play functions both offensively and defensively.
Marko Stamenic provides composure and technical quality in central midfield. The Swansea City player has developed into one of the most reliable passers in the squad and will be important for how New Zealand build play and control possession in difficult moments.
Group Stage Outlook
Group G is challenging. Belgium are one of the tournament favourites and arrive with one of the most star-studded squads in the competition. Egypt carry African continental pedigree and have quality players in every position. Iran are well-organised and difficult to break down.
New Zealand's target is to be competitive and to take points. The game against Iran offers the most realistic opportunity for a positive result β both teams are expected to compete for third or fourth in the group, and that fixture could define the group's order.
Bazeley's side will need to be defensively disciplined, quick in transition and clinical on the occasions they do create chances. The 2010 squad famously went unbeaten at the group stage, drawing all three of their matches. Repeating that would be a remarkable feat at this level of competition.
OFC's Only Representative
As the sole team representing Oceania, New Zealand carry a weight beyond just their 26 players. Every football-playing nation in the Pacific region β from Fiji to Papua New Guinea to Samoa β has a stake in how the All Whites perform.
New Zealand's qualification through the OFC and the intercontinental playoff format is itself a significant story. The All Whites have consistently competed well in that pathway and will aim to show that Oceanian football deserves its place at the top table.
FAQ
Who manages New Zealand at the 2026 World Cup?
Darren Bazeley, who has been developing the All Whites squad through the qualifying campaign.
When did New Zealand last play at the World Cup before 2026?
New Zealand last appeared at the FIFA World Cup in 2010 in South Africa, where they drew all three group-stage matches.
Who are New Zealand's key players at the 2026 World Cup?
Chris Wood is the captain and main striker. Liberato Cacace, Marko Stamenic and Tyler Bindon are among the important players across other positions.
When do New Zealand play their first game at the 2026 World Cup?
New Zealand face Iran on 15 June 2026 at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, Los Angeles.